Practising some wand work dressed as the eponymous hero © Caitlin Lock

A magical evening in Hastings for Harry Potter fans

On Friday (7 February), families from across Hastings celebrated all things magical at a spectacular Harry Potter Book Night event in Hastings Library. The National Literacy Trust reports with photos from the event in Hastings Library. Photos by Caitlin Lock.

Dressed as witches, wizards and Muggles, around 120 children and parents enjoyed a spellbinding evening of live performances and creative activities inspired by J.K. Rowling’s wonderful Harry Potter novels, thanks to a partnership between the National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings and Bloomsbury Publishing. 

Craft activities © Caitlin Lock

Families took part in arts, crafts and writing activities, were treated to a bewitching Harry Potter performance from Fleurble Laffalot (aka Fleur Alexander), and received free goodies including a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. Those in the most magical fancy dress also won prizes on the night. 

Eight-year-old Louis said he ‘loved it a lot [particularly] all the activities’ and a parent commented that it was ‘a great event to help get children’s enthusiasm for reading going again’. 

Prize-winning owl © Caitlin Lock

The event also kicked off a town-wide illustration competition, challenging school pupils aged 4-16 to draw their own dragon inspired by the books. Pupils can win special prizes including a boxed set of the Harry Potter books, a beautiful illustrated print and their entry published in the Hastings & St Leonards Observer. More information can be found here. The competition closes on Friday 3 April 2020.

© Caitlin Lock

Graeme Quinnell, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings, said: “What a fantastic event! It was brilliant to have so many children and parents join us to celebrate a spellbinding night. Appealing to both children and parents alike, the Harry Potter books have created millions of life-long readers around the world and continue to inspire. We are thrilled to work with Bloomsbury to bring such an iconic and beloved series to life in the town and we can’t wait to see all of the fantastical, fire-breathing dragons that the books inspire children to create for our exciting illustration competition.”

© Caitlin Lock

The National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings and Bloomsbury Publishing launched a three-year partnership last summer to inspire a love of reading in the town, raise the aspirations of primary school children, and help adults with literacy challenges to access the support they need to improve their own literacy skills. 

Find out more about the National Literacy Hub in Hastings at literacytrust.org.uk/communities/hastings.

Also in: Hastings Bookchat